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Living Free - Jan. 24, 2008

Today's ScriptureWhen we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. Romans 5:6-11 NLT

Thoughts for TodayWe can be discouraged in our tribulations if we do not stay focused on God’s love. Even the strongest Christians may doubt the love of God in the middle of a trial and think that their troubles mean God is working against them. But God’s Word tells otherwise. We were God’s enemies under a death sentence when Christ died for us and reconciled us to God. If this is how He loves His enemies, how much more will He do for His family?

As today’s scripture makes clear, God’s love does not depend on our goodness. God’s very nature is love, independent of our actions. His love for us is based on who He is, not on what we do. No matter what our circumstances, no matter what we have or haven’t done, we can rest in the assurance that God loves us!

Consider this…You might be going through some major challenges in your life right now … perhaps you are even experiencing deep suffering from the loss of a loved one or some other circumstance. It is vital for you to remember that God loves you! And His love is not based on how good you are. Jesus paid the price for your sins. Have your received Him as your Savior? If not, you can do that right now. Just talk to Him … wherever you are. Invite Him to be Lord of your life.

If you have received Jesus, you are a friend of God! You have been restored to Him through the Lord Jesus Christ! You can experience a close relationship with God and trust Him to love you and help you through every circumstance.

Prayer…Father, thank you for loving me. Thank you for forgiveness through Jesus. Help me to remember in every circumstance that you love me. Help me to remember that having problems doesn’t mean you don’t love me, but that in your love you will help me through them and even bring good from them. In Jesus’ name …

These thoughts were drawn from…Completely Free! by Dan Strickland. Everyone struggles from time-to-time, but we can have confidence that in Christ we are completely free from sin's slavery, from condemnation, and from fear of failure. This group study of Romans 1-8 and 12 helps Christians break out of the dull routine of a stagnant spiritual life. Applying the truths found in Romans can transform any believer into a person eager to follow God’s will. This study can also serve as a powerful evangelistic tool by explaining the message of salvation as presented in Romans. Suggested uses include home Bible studies, cell groups, Sunday school classes, support groups and personal enrichment